News

Lots up for grabs to give cancer a kicking

Roger Fairman right, with Darren Simons, landlord of The Vic pub. Roger is holding a Kit Off For Cancer auction event after his wife and daughter died of the disease and he is appealing for donations for the raffle and auction

ROGER Fairman is seeking raffle and auction donations for a cancer charity fundraiser in memory of his wife and daughter.

Father of four Roger, 61, originally from Kent, is putting on the Kit Off For Cancer event at The Vic, in Old Town, on August 3. Money raised will be split between Cancer Research UK and Brain Tumour UK.

In 1976, Roger’s wife Debbie died from cervical cancer and last year one of his daughters, Vicky, 25, died of a brain tumour.

Roger’s daughter Kelly, 40, set up Kit Off For Cancer in 2010, holding fundraisers and producing naked calendars, in the Calendar Girls spirit, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Roger, who moved to Swindon last year, said: “This is the first time that Kit Off For Cancer has had an event in Swindon and Kelly is over the moon we are putting something on.

“I have seen some terrible things in my life but you have to learn from them and stay positive and we are aiming to raise as much money as possible to fund research into bringing these illnesses to an end.”

The fundraiser will feature local bands with Old Town businesses and stalls from Blunsdon Market donating goods for the auction and raffle. Donations are still being accepted.

Roger has been overwhelmed by the support the event has received from the community, in particular from The Vic, in Victoria Road, which is helping to organise the fundraiser.

Darren Simons, who runs the pub, said: “Roger is a local and this is a very good cause so we are pleased to get behind him and want to raise as much as we can.”

Given the name of the event, Roger and Darren are considering making a charity calendar, while The Little Print Shop has also donated T-shirts to help publicise the fundraiser.

In August, they are also looking to organise a sponsored skydive.

Roger said: “I’m totally dumbstruck by the support I’ve been receiving as it means a great deal to me. I can’t actually put into words just how touched I’ve been by it and I’ll never forget what people have done for me and for Kit Off For Cancer. I’d be so grateful if anyone reading the story would like to donate prizes, lots or money to the fundraiser.”

Anyone wishing to offer support can call 01793 535713 or email thevic swindon@gmail.com.